Beginning in the early 20th century, abstract art became a leading style of modernism. Rather than portray the world in a way that represented reality, as had been the dominating style of Western art in the previous centuries, abstract paintings, prints and sculptures are marked by a shift to geometric forms, gestural shapes and experimentation with color to express ideas, subject matter and scenes.
Although abstract art flourished in the early 1900s, propelled by movements like Fauvism and Cubism, it was rooted in the 19th century. In the 1840s, J.M.W. Turner emphasized light and motion for atmospheric paintings in which concrete details were blurred, and Paul Cézanne challenged traditional expectations of perspective in the 1890s.
Some of the earliest abstract artists — Wassily Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint — expanded on these breakthroughs while using vivid colors and forms to channel spiritual concepts. Painter Piet Mondrian, a Dutch pioneer of the art movement, explored geometric abstraction partly owing to his belief in Theosophy, which is grounded in a search for higher spiritual truths and embraces philosophers of the Renaissance period and medieval mystics. Black Square, a daringly simple 1913 work by Russian artist Kazimir Malevich, was a watershed statement on creating art that was free “from the dead weight of the real world,” as he later wrote.
Surrealism in the 1920s, led by artists such as Salvador Dalí, Meret Oppenheim and others, saw painters creating abstract pieces in order to connect to the subconscious. When Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York during the mid-20th century, it similarly centered on the process of creation, in which Helen Frankenthaler’s expressive “soak-stain” technique, Jackson Pollock’s drips of paint, and Mark Rothko’s planes of color were a radical new type of abstraction.
Conceptual art, Pop art, Hard-Edge painting and many other movements offered fresh approaches to abstraction that continued into the 21st century, with major contemporary artists now exploring it, including Anish Kapoor, Mark Bradford, El Anatsui and Julie Mehretu.
Find original abstract paintings, sculptures, prints and other art on 1stDibs.
Floruit - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 24in x 30in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This expressionist acrylic on canvas fine art piece, titled "Floruit," is a profound example of modernist surreal still life, characterized by its intricate tapestry of interconnecte...
Canvas, Acrylic
$450
"The Way" (Black & White, Texture, Depth, Antique Linen, Neutral Beige, Nude)
Located in Paris, IDF
The canvas comes to life with a captivating yet understated painting, heavy on texture, using antique linen, crafted with a unique blend of dye, pigment, and acrylic. The artist's su...
Canvas, India Ink, Acrylic
$792Sale Price|20% Off
French Expressionist Abstract Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract by Yvette Dubois-Habasque (1929-2016) dated verso oil painting on artists board, unframed painting measures: 9.5 x 13 inches Stunning original abstract painting by the Fre...
Oil
Contemporary New Abstract Artwork Colors by Artist Christina Gschwantner 2023
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
In her work, artist Christina Gschwantner combines contrasting art movements such as Art Informel and Minimal Art. She succeeds in depicting and...
Raw Linen, Oil, Acrylic
$3,800
Beneath the Shining Sun (abstracted field of flowers in yellow and pastel)
Located in Hudson, NY
Abstract acrylic painting on canvas with a pastel purple, yellow, and green palette “Beneath the Shining Sun”, painted by Ragellah Rourke in 2022 30 x 30 inches, oil on canvas Sides are cleanly painted so additional framing is optional Wire backing for easy hanging Artist signature located on the back This contemporary, abstract painting was created by Hudson Valley based artist, Ragellah Rourke in 2022. Her most recent body of work focuses on relationships between color and space. Elements of symbolism, reminiscent of Gustav Klimt, decorate the composition with abstract markings and calligraphic gestural brushwork. Warm yellow and purple tones with hints of green radiate upwards into a background of white, recalling the awaking the nature during the beginning of spring. There is wire installed on the back for easy hanging. The painting’s sides are cleanly painted so additional framing is optional. Artist Statement: My paintings are very textural and built up slowly over long periods of time. The surface holds the memory of the painting’s development, all the time looking for clues for what will come next. I look for connections between the forms that develop. They are never something that I logically calculate, but rather a long string of chances, thoughts, and guesses. The appearance and meaning develop throughout the progression of the painting. It is a continuous search for resolution, balance and mystery within the painting. Artist CV: 1963 Born Albany, NY 1998 BA Painting, The University at Albany, State University of New York Residing: East Berne, NY SOLO EXHIBITIONS: 2012 Carrie Haddad Gallery...
Canvas, Oil
Antique American Large Signed Abstract Expressionist Modern Art Oil Painting
Located in Buffalo, NY
Antique American abstract expressionist painting. Oil on canvas. Framed. Signed. Measuring: 37 by 43 inches overall, and 36 by 42 painting alone. In excellent original condition. ...
Canvas, Oil
$902Sale Price|20% Off
Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Blue Brown and White Signed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Title: Mid Century French Geometric Abstract in Blue Brown and White Signed by Serge Guerin (b. 1916), French signed lower right “SG”, name stamped verso Acrylic and gouache on brown...
Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
Esmeralda - Abstract Oil Painting on Canvas, 1980s Colorful Art
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This contemporary abstract colourful oil painting is by Milly Ristvedt. Glorious colour dominates the canvas in this expressive painting by one of Canada’s finest contemporary artis...
Canvas, Oil
Venus, Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting, 21st Century
Located in Mexico City, MX
Contemporary Art, Abstract Painting Acrylic on canvas 120x100cm Signed and dated on the back About the artist Alejandro Legorreta (Mexico, 1987) I studied Hispanic Literature at ...
Canvas, Acrylic
Ways & Means, Abstract Painting
By Karen Hansen
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An atmospheric abstraction recalling the deep red walls of a towering canyon system. "This piece is an exploration in mark-making using a variety of tools inc...
Acrylic
Jazzu - Être ici vivant
By Jazzu
Located in Saint-Didier, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Jazzu Être ici vivant 2025 Acrylique sur papier fort 2025 42 x 29,7 cm 490 euros
Acrylic
Finding Balance - Tranquil Colorful Abstract Painting
By Julie Naima
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The original artworks by Canadian artist Julie Naima feature visually appealing abstract compositions with organic shapes that evoke a sense of tranquility and serenity. The harmonious interplay of a few carefully selected colors, and their varied shades, create a nuanced visual experience that is both calming and invigorating. Crafted in a contemporary and modern style, her paintings are infused with a touch of refinement and artistic flair. The use of organic shapes creates a sense of natural flow and movement, while the balanced color palette adds a level of sophistication to the overall design. This one-of-a-kind abstract painting on canvas measures 48 inches in height and 40 inches in width. The sides of the artwork are thoughtfully painted in a complementary shade of blue, eliminating the need for framing and creating a cohesive, finished look. The painting is wired and ready to hang, making it a hassle-free addition to any wall. It's signed by the artist on both the side and back, adding an extra touch of authenticity and value. Free delivery is available for those in the local Los Angeles area, and affordable worldwide shipping is available for US and international art collectors. A certificate of authenticity issued by the art gallery is included with the artwork, ensuring that the piece is an authentic work of art from Julie Naima. Julie Naima is an accomplished artist originally from Montreal, Canada, who currently resides in a tranquil rural town, removed from the frenetic pace of city life. Her creative process is characterized by experimentation, having explored various techniques and media, such as fluid paints, flowy inks, epoxy resin, collage, and mixed media. However, Naima has since returned to exclusively working with acrylics on canvas, with a particular focus on color. Through this dedication, Naima has discovered that colorful abstract art, imbued with positive emotions and good intentions, is what resonates most with her. Naima's impressive body of work can be found in many private collections across Canada, Europe, Australia, and the United States, attesting to the universality of her artistic vision. Her unique use of color and form imbues her abstract works with a sense of energy and dynamism, evoking a wide range of emotions in viewers. REPRESENTATION: Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, USA EXHIBITIONS 2023 Artspace Warehouse, Los Angeles, CA 2022 ARTWRK Gallery, Canada Square Foot Show, Online 2020 Solo Show, Forena Spa, St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Canada Solo Show, Crystal Hotel...
Canvas, Acrylic
$831Sale Price|20% Off
Original-Summer Green-British Awarded Artist-Foxgloves and Lilies-en plein air
By Shizico Yi
Located in London, GB
Painted entirely en plein air in the early hours of summer, this work captures a fleeting moment of calm and light as the garden stirred awake under the soft glow of sunrise. Shizico...
Gesso, Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
$3,100
Suluk/Wanderings No 48 - gestural, abstract, acrylic and pigment on canvas
Located in Bloomfield, ON
This gestural, abstract, acrylic and pigment on canvas is by Montreal-based artist Shireen Kamran. Early in her career, Shireen Kamran’s enigmatic artwork was influenced by famed ab...
Acrylic, Pigment
Bergen facades 5, Norway Original Painting, Landscape, Contemporary, Pink art
Located in Deddington, GB
The inspiration for this work is a recent trip I made to the fiordes on Norways north west coast . Beautiful houses in white and red line the waters edge . This restricted palette of...
Canvas, Acrylic
”She Who Dances With Shadows”
By Iryna Rets
Located in Zofingen, AG
This artwork was featured in the artist’s solo exhibition “Points of View” at MODI Art & Wine Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2026. ”She Who Dances With Shadows” A work from the “Follow...
Acrylic, Mixed Media, Cardboard
High-Rise, Abstract Painting
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
This abstract composition features blocks and shapes in shades of blue, teal, gray, black, and white, forming a towering, building-like structure. A light blue ...
Acrylic
The Quiet Bloom
Located in Zofingen, AG
Size: 97×97 cm (overall size with stretching 107×107 cm) Year: 2026 Materials: acrylic on canvas Shipping: rolled A serene, intimate composition where a slender white figure rests i...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,400
Shady Spot, Guatemala - Cool Tone Abstract Landscape Textural Impasto Painting
By Dana Cowie
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Using an impasto, painterly technique Dana Cowie creates cubist-inspired farm and rural landscapes. Working within controlled color schemes, her artworks appear abstract up close and...
Canvas, Oil
Quiet Strenght
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Quiet Strength" From the series "Between States" This work explores the state of inner resilience—a strength that does not manifest through tension or resistance, but exists as a qu...
Oil Pastel, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$8,968
ABSTRACT Contemporary Artist French Rose Madone New Artwork forms earth colors
By Rose Madone
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
At Escat Gallery, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of trust and professionalism for our collectors. Every artwork in our collection comes with a Certificate of A...
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Acrylic, Pigment
$525
The Red Dress 12 - Abstract Flowy Minimalist Figurative Ink Painting on Paper
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Bettina Mauel expresses dynamism and sensuality in her paintings: “I paint what I experience,” she articulates. “This includes landscapes, flowers, and people in motion, capturing th...
Linen, Ink, Mixed Media, Graphite
Chicano Abstract Expressionist Portrait -- The Red Headed Woman, Signed
Located in Soquel, CA
Abstract Expressionist Portrait -- The Red Headed Woman by Chicano Artist Ricardo de Silva This striking abstract expressionist portrait is by Latino artist Ricardo (Richard) de Sil...
Charcoal, Acrylic, Gouache, Rice Paper
Fishbowl Theory - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 30in x 40in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
"Fishbowl Theory," stands as a poignant exploration of figurative abstraction, where the artist deftly navigates the liminal space between external observation and the internal lands...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,261
Untitled 01 - Contemporary, Organic, Black, Minimalist, Abstract, Monochrome
Located in Baden-Baden, DE
Untitled 01, 2017 Black adhesive and black oil on canvas (Signed on reverse) 31 1/2 H x 23 5/8 H in. 80 H x 60 W cm Zsolt Berszán treats the first layer of the drawing as a substrat...
Canvas, Adhesive, Oil
$800Sale Price|20% Off
Green on Blue - Original Abstract Composition in Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Green on Blue - Original Abstract Composition in Acrylic on Canvas Intriguing abstract composition by California artist Charles "Dave" Francis (American, 1951-2018). Through the use...
Canvas, Acrylic, Stretcher Bars
Field Study — Group of Four Mixed Media Works on Paper by Murray Duncan
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Field Study is a group of four mixed-media works on archival cold-press watercolor paper by Toronto artist Murray Duncan, each measuring 18 × 24 inches. Part of his ongoing Untitled ...
Paint, Paper, Ink, Pencil
$69,000
Increments - colourful large scale arrangement, small squares, acrylic on panels
Located in Bloomfield, ON
A monumental work, comprised of 66 small square panels, each painted with a single orthogonal, are installed in a precise grid: six high and ten across. The orthogonal panels are pai...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
$7,108Sale Price|20% Off
Large French Expressionist Abstract Oil Painting Beautiful Colors 20th Century
By Jean-Francois Pierre
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Absolutely stunning original French abstract oil painting on canvas, dating to 1961. The work is on a large scale, measuring 36 x 25.5 inches. It i...
Oil, Canvas
$6,000
Red and White Abstract Expressionist Oil Painting by Nicolas Ionesco, 1958
By Nicolas Ionesco
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Nicolas Ionesco, Romanian (1919 - ) Title: Untitled Year: 1956 Medium: Oil on Canvas, signed and dated l.r. and verso Size: 23.5 x 28.5 inches (59.7 x 72.4 cm) Frame: 24.75 x...
Oil
$3,794Sale Price|20% Off
Huge Contemporary Spanish Signed Oil Painting Picasso Style Horse Abstract Paint
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Abstract Horses Spanish School, signed 'Santos' early 21st century acrylic painting on canvas, unframed canvas: 32 x 48 inches condition: very good provenance: private collection, So...
Acrylic, Canvas
Quiet Vision, Abstract Painting
By Alicia Dunn
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
An expansive abstract view of vast blue rolling hills by artist Alicia Dunn. "I wanted to create a dreamscape that would resemble a landscape, or a landscape ...
Acrylic
$1,397Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Landscape – Original Abstract Oil Painting on Cotton Canvas, 40x40 cm
Located in Agrigento, AG
Blue Landscape is a unique original artwork by Italian contemporary artist Marilina Marchica. Created with oil on cotton canvas, this atmospheric composition evokes the meeting of se...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
$2,405Sale Price|20% Off
Abstract R 2415
Located in Zofingen, AG
"Artist : Alex Senchenko © Title: Abstract R 2415 . Acrylic Paints. The painting was created on 100% cotton 340gsm Canvas made in Italy (Pintura). 2024 • Size of a painting: 2...
Acrylic
Quiet Yard
Located in Zofingen, AG
shipped in roll This work draws on personal memories of time spent with family. The image of a rural courtyard, animals, and the surrounding space is not merely a setting, but an i...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,913
Happy Hippy Days-original London figurative cityscape painting-contemporary Art
Located in London, Chelsea
We offer complimentary worldwide shipping and cover all tariffs and import taxes for this artwork. This exceptional artwork is currently on display and available for sale at Signet C...
Canvas, Oil
Rather Be: Abstract Painting, Mixed Media on Canvas, 2010s, New, 50x60
Located in SEATTLE, WA
Rather Be by Allison Rohland is a richly layered abstract mixed-media painting on canvas with a quiet, atmospheric intensity. Muted mauves, dusty pinks, olive greens, and charcoal to...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Textured Abstract Expressionist Composition in Plaster and Acrylic on Canvas
Located in Soquel, CA
Textured Abstract Expressionist Composition in Plaster and Acrylic on Canvas Brightly colored and deeply textured abstract composition by an unknown artist (20th century). Layers of...
Canvas, Plaster, Acrylic
Untitled Yam Painting, Abstract Style, 1996, Synthetic Polymer
Located in Miami, FL
EMILY KAM KNGWARRAY 1916 - 1996 Country: Central/Eastern Desert, NT Language: Anmatjerre Community : Utopia, Soakage Bore/ Alhalkere Octogenarian Emily Kam Kngwarray painted for jus...
Linen, Polymer
$680
Untitled #202 by Murray Duncan – Original Contemporary Mixed Media on Paper
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Untitled #202 by Murray Duncan Mixed media on paper Size: 32" x 40” Unframed, signed A bold mixed-media work with dynamic lines and textures. This captivating piece by Murray Dunc...
Glaze, Oil Pastel, Acrylic
$929Sale Price|28% Off
Rene Leroy Signed French Abstract Cubist Figures Oil Painting Framed
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Key Details Artist: Rene Leroy, French, born 1932 Title: Abstract / Cubist Composition Medium: Oil painting on canvas, framed Size: Painting: 24 x 19.5 inches; framed: 26.5 x 22.5 in...
Oil
"The wind in the mountains was chasing the clouds"
Located in Edinburgh, GB
"The wind in the mountains was chasing the clouds" painted from life in the mountains during a windy spell.
Canvas, Oil
$10,249
ABSTRACT Mirko Baricchi Oil Gestural Landscapes Flora Earth Tones Mixed media
Located in Barcelona, Barcelona
Mirko Baricchi (born 1970) is an accomplished Italian painter who currently lives and works between Vicenza and La Spezia, regions located in Veneto and Liguria, Italy, respectively....
Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil
$750
Composed Calmness: Equestrian Horse Abstract Expressionist Painting, Gold Frame
By Karnish Art
Located in Pretoria, Gauteng
Title: Composed Calmness Painting Equestrian Horse Modern Gold Contemporary Striking Invest Energy Calm Blue This painting forms part of an artwork series called BLUE. I borrowed f...
Gold
Golden Elegance. Abstract
Located in Zofingen, AG
This exquisite piece of art is a small square canvas crafted using modeling paste. The magnificent white-gold color scheme creates an atmosphere of sophistication and luxury. The pai...
Paste, Canvas, Acrylic
Thoughts Fade Away, Abstract Painting
By Alicia Dunn
Located in San Francisco, CA
Artist Comments
A soothing blend of muted colors evokes the mood, movement, and the endless ebb and flow of the serene waters. Layers of blue, gray, and brown blend together, s...
Acrylic
Abstract Composition 1, '60s - oil paint, 43x56 cm., framed
Located in Nice, FR
Born in Leningrad (now Saint-Petersbourg, Russia) in 1937, Catherine Zoubtchenko lives in France since 1945. She was a student of the painter André Lanskoy, with whom she later share...
Oil
$2,500
Multicolor Geometric Cubist Gouache and Watercolor Painting by André Morin
Located in Atlanta, GA
An outstanding post‑cubist geometric composition by André Morin (France, 20th Century), this dynamic work—executed in gouache and watercolor—showcases the artist's command of color, ...
Paper, Watercolor, Gouache
$7,900
Midnight Blue - Large Modern Abstract Textured Color Drenched Landscape Artwork
By Lee Herring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lee Herring is a contemporary painter specializing in vibrant, textured, and abstract landscapes that convey fleeting moments. Herring's energetic artworks are inspired by everyday m...
Canvas, Varnish, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Woman Walking Dog
Located in Wilton Manors, FL
Circle of Graciela Rodo Boulanger. Woman Walking Dog, ca. 1970. Oil on wood panel measuring 5 x 7 inches; 12.25 x 14.25 inches framed. Signed indistinctly upper right.
Oil, Wood Panel
$990
Salty N 2 & 4, Yellow, Blue Diptych, Overlapping Abstract Fishes, Mediterranean
Located in Barcelona, ES
This series by Enric Servera explores the relationship of humans to salt and seawater. The intention of these works is to submerge us into the sea, a sal...
Acrylic
$1,100Sale Price|72% Off
Figure Sur Rouge (Figure on Red) /// Contemporary French Painting Minimalism Art
Located in Saint Augustine, FL
Artist: Pierre Marie Brisson (French, 1955-) Title: "Figure Sur Rouge (Figure on Red)" *Signed by Brisson lower right. It is also signed and dated on verso Year: 1983 Medium: Origina...
Paint, Oil, Handmade Paper, Rag Paper, Mixed Media
Memory of a landscape - abstract painting, landscape painting
Located in New York, NY
Memory of a Landscape Acrylic on canvas 100/70 2026 "Memory of a Landscape" is a captivating abstract expressionist painting that explores how our minds store the places we love -...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pratyabhigyan, Acrylic on Canvas by Contemporary Indian Artist "In Stock"
By Amit Kalla
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Amit Kalla - Pratyabhigyan - 36 x 72 inches (unframed size) Acrylic on Canvas, 2021 ** Free Shipment ...... will be delivered in rolled form. Style : Kalla’s work can be represented...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,399Sale Price|33% Off
Transending Forms, Acrylic, Canvas, Red, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Green "In Stock"
By Amit Kalla
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Amit Kalla - Transending Forms - 36 x 60 inches (unframed size) Acrylic on Canvas, 2020 ** Free Shipment ...... will be delivered in rolled form. Style : Kalla’s work can be represe...
Canvas, Acrylic
Unfettered - Acrylic Painting on Canvas, Abstract, 48in x 60in
By Mario Angel
Located in Mississauga, CA
This large-format acrylic on canvas masterpiece, titled "Unfettered", stands as a monumental achievement in contemporary surreal still life painting. Rejecting traditional representa...
Canvas, Acrylic
Composition #1
Located in Zofingen, AG
A painting from the «Quite motion» series. Reflects a moment of inner balance — when light and space merge into one breath. In this state, there is no rush or effort — only a gentle ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
$796Sale Price|20% Off
"Untitled" Swirling Abstract Oil on Canvas, Indonesian School of Affandi
Located in New York, NY
In the manner of Affandi Abstract Lotus, circa 1970 Unsigned Oil on canvas 30 x 40 inches
Canvas, Oil
La Danse des Etoiles
Located in New York, NY
La Danse des Étoiles exemplifies Gérard Stricher’s ability to merge energy and emotion through color. The work pulses with chromatic vitality—fiery reds, cobalt blues, and golden yel...
Oil
$104Sale Price|20% Off
Serg Graff Original Pirate Ship Painting "Brimkeil" Acrylic Nautical Art
By Serg Graff
Located in Palm Coast, FL
This original acrylic painting on canvas board, titled “Brimkeil”, is a dynamic maritime artwork by contemporary artist Serg Graff (2025). The piece captures a bold pirate ship battl...
Acrylic
The Italian-American’s 2020 abstract painting “The Hoe” personifies his “art of not knowing.”
In his current show at New York's Lehmann Maupin gallery, the Puerto Rican–born talent reveals new paintings with a semiautobiographical aspect.